Frequently Asked Questions
Why ‘barefoot walking’ and what does that mean?
Barefoot feeling is what you get from what you may have come across as "minimalist shoes". The idea behind these shoes is to get as close as possible to the barefoot walking feel, while still protecting the feet from the surrounding environment.
The barefoot shoe characteristics are: wide toe area, flat, thin and flexible sole, no heel support or elevation. No orthopedic insole. Essentially, these are shoes without supporting elements.
These shoes help both younger kids - from toddlers to teens - and adults. Foot pain is a modern disease; it appeared only recently with the invention of the concept of "traditional" shoes that are supposed to support the feet. Actually, such "traditional" shoes squeeze and limit the feet, causing all kinds of foot and spinal problems.
When it comes down to toddlers, it is recommended that they start walking barefoot or with a shoe with a soft or thin sole that is flat and flexible. This helps the feet develop naturally.
The foot of the baby consists of cartilage which in time transforms to bone. The moment the ankles and the feet are ready to take on the weight of the body, the toddler starts to walk. It is crucial for the proper development of the muscles and the tendons of the feet that all parts of the foot are involved in the process. In other words, they should not be restrained by isolating them with a hard sole, hard or strengthened heel or tight toe area. The shoes must be soft and flexible and thus they will not have any effect in deforming the soft cartilage of the foot.
Almost the same applies for adults as well. It is always better to have enough space for the feet to move freely, to sense the ground and to have an equal distribution of the body weight when you walk.
Do all Zeazoo shoes give a ‘barefoot feeling’?
Yes.
All our products - slippers, sandals, shoes and boots - are designed and made to be as close as possible to the barefoot walking feel. Our products lack hard and stiff elements; the sole (leather or rubber) is sufficiently thin, light and elastic. The overall design of our products is flexible and lightweight, so as to help the feet to feel the terrain and allow their free movement so that they would develop properly and fully in a natural way.
Will Zeazoo shoes help my child to learn to walk faster?
No.
It is not recommended to force a child to start walking. When physically and mentally ready, the child will walk on its own. Comparisons with other children are misleading, since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months. Some children may take longer to start walking on their own.
Babies learn to walk by gripping the ground with their toes and using their heels for stability. This helps develop the muscles needed for walking and is easier to do without socks or shoes.
How did you come up with Zeazoo?
Zeazoo brand is virtually our fourth child. We have three boys, born in 2004, 2007 and 2011.
After we faced some issues with the conventional shoes for our two bigger boys, we started to read more and research for possibilities to make shoes on our own. The idea came naturally because the boys' grandfather - Jordan - is a third generation shoe designer.
So, just before our third kid was born my husband, my father and I dedicated time to research and test prototypes for the litlle feet of our three boys. The idea of the minimalistic and barefoot shoes had spread worldwide as an alternative to conventional shoes at this time. There was no choice of such shoes, though.
So, this is how Zeazoo was born in September 2011.
~
Gergana
How do you come up with the names of the models?
This is a tough one :-).
Initially, we didn't have names for the models; we used reference numbers instead. Not very customer-friendly, right? We knew that back then too, but it was really hard to come up with names for an entire range of products in a consistent way. Then, it struck us that we already have the convention in the name of the brand.
Don't get it yet? Well, there is an entire Zoo in Zeazoo :-). So we decided to name our models after animals. Now, every time we release a new model, we have a brainstorming session to think of the best animal for the particular model. It is really a lot of fun! Especially when everybody argues if Yeti is an animal or not :-).
How can I get in touch with you?
The easiest way to contact us is to drop us an email at info@zeazookids.com. Our details are listed on the Contact us page.
You can also reach us on Facebook.
What type of leather do you use?
We use natural leather and woollen fabrics and all materials (rubber and glue inclusive) are produced in the European Union and meet the EU requirements and standards for safety goods and comply with all applicable REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances - the European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use) requirements.
Recently we offer vegan leather from microfibre, which is antibacterial, breathable, eco-friendly (manufacturing system free of CO2), very resistant and free of agents harmful to health. Easy to clean with wet wipes, can be washed in a washing machine or by hand. Washable (up to 60°C), without altering its technical qualities.
You can read more about the types of leather we use here.
How do I care for my shoes?
You should treat the shoes the way you treat any natural leather product. Your favorite natural care product will be good for our shoes as well. Daily care depends on the type of the shoe and leather.
You can find detailed information here.
What are these markings on the leather?
Even the highest quality leather has natural markings which are analogous to fingerprints. They distinguish natural leather from man-made materials.
No matter how well the leather has been processed, some markings can remain. Any of these markings may be present on your shoes and this can be your assurance that you have a true top grain leather.
Leather is a natural product - grain pattern and color may vary from hide to hide and within the hide.
What types of soles do you have?
We use four types of soles:
1. Soft suede ones for some indoor slippers models.
2. Vibram® crepe 2 mm - New edition since 2020. For indoor slippers and moccasins, appropriate for outdoor usage as well, becase it is very durable and with a good grip.
3. Vibram® Wave for kids/toddlers indoor and as an option for outdoor shoes. It is 5 mm thick, lightweight and very flexible.
4. Vibram® Superflex material, which at 4 and 6 mm has even better grip, flexibility and wear out characteristics than Vibram® Wave. We use the 4 mm thickness for size up to EU30 and the 6 mm thickness for EU31+.
More detailed information can be found here.
Is the optional insole made of real wool and leather?
Yes, the insole is made of natural wool and leather which are stitched together by our own shoe-makers.
More information about our insole specifics can be found here.
Why isn’t the insole stitched to the shoe?
The insole is not stitched or glued to the shoe so that you can decide when to start or stop using it. We place double-sided bonding tape at the heel area of the insole and you may decide to mount it inside the shoes to avoid slippage and/or temporarily diminish the spare room for growth for tighter fit.
How much space will the insole occupy?
The inner dimensions of the shoe will diminish by 2 mm.
Is the glue you use natural?
We use non-toxic glue which is produced in the EU and adheres to all applicable regulations. It is not harmful at all, and it bonds the details in such a way as to have no contact with the skin.
Currently, there is no natural alternative on the market that would make a good bond at a reasonable price and a satisfactory technical level.
Why do the shoes smell of glue?
It is the shoemaker's glue that accounts for the initially strong odor which should subdue and disappear soon after beginning of usage.
We produce most of the shoes upon order, so there is not enough time for the smell to disappear before the shoes are shipped.
Can you recommend an adhesive for repair of unglued sole?
We recommend using an adhesive on a Polichloroprene base, a solvent-based contact adhesive. It is very important that the shoe repairer cleans both surfaces (sole and leather - where the shoe has opened) very well before applying the glue.
Can I get laces different from the ones in the model’s photo?
You can purchase silicone laces here.
Some YETI products have the option to add extra laces (the possible different colors can be seen on the product’s photos) from a drop-down menu when ordering.
Do you offer vegan shoes?
What is the difference between slippers and shoes? Can slippers also be used outdoors?
We have two separate categories on our site - shoes for indoor and for outdoor use.
1. Shoes for indoor use: slippers and indoor moccasins:
- With soft suede, thin microcellular rubber or Vibram® Wave sole.
- No lining.
- Suitable for indoor use at home or in the kindergarten.
- Ideal for first steps.
- Can be carried out in dry and hot weather.
- Not suitable for intensive running, tree-climbing and playing outside.
Important: Some indoor models (Robin Creme, for example) have a drop-down menu option for 5 mm Vibram® rubber sole which makes them suitable for outdoor use, as well.
2. Shoes for outdoor use: shoes (including moccasin models)
- With Vibram® rubber sole.
- With thin leather lining for extra insulation and water resistance.
- Ideal for both toddlers and children who can already walk well.
- Suitable for intensive outdoor use - running, playing, etc.
How much inner space does the sheepskin of the Leo Sheepskin model occupy?
The inner dimensions of the Leo Sheepskin model would diminish by 2-3 mm.
I purchased Zeazoo shoes and sandals in the same size but they have different sole lengths. Is this a mistake?
The shoe construction requires additional space for stitching. The construction of the sandals with open toe box, on the other hand, allows for complete usability of the entire length of the sole. Sandal models with closed toe box and/or closed back have the same limitation as the shoes.
Furthermore, the open construction of the sandals requires that only the bottom part of the foot fit the sole, while the wider and softer parts of the foot are supported by the leather details. If the measurements you used to determine the correct size are precise, the sole length should provide enough comfort.
Can I get the Anemone sandals without the smaller leather details?
Yes, you can. Just please note this in your Customer message.
Can I choose a different symbol for the Ariel model?
Only a few of our smaller size symbols are available for this model as its straps are very narrow.
You can see the symbols appropriate for Ariel here and pay the additional €5 customization fee here.
Can I order the Ariel in vegetable tanned leather with an open back?
Yes, you can. Generally, we do not recommend an open back with the vegetable tаnned leather, as it is more tender and tends to stretch easily. This can cause the heel to slip out of the sandal.
However, if the model you are looking at has lining, it will have better heel support. The lining can be chosen from the respective drop-down menu. There is no additional charge for the open-heel customization, but the pair will not be subject to our standard return policy.
The open heel will add approximately 3-4 mm to the inner length of the shoe.
Can I get a symbol on the Shell sandals?
Yes, it is possible. However, to free some space for it, you have to choose which detail to be removed - the one in front of the toes or the one attached to the straps.
Take note that the customized pair will no longer be subject to our standard return policy.
What is the recommended temperature range for your boots?
Usage temperature range varies for different body and activity types and may also depend on the socks.
Generally, the sheepskin lining will provide even greater warmth than the woolen one.
The range can vary from 0 to -15 °C.
Are Zeazoo boots waterproof?
Our Yeti models are produced in waterproof leather but even with the high quality stitching and excellent quality of the material, the models are not water-resistant in rain and snow, as water can get inside from the upper part of the shoes where the hand-stitching is.
Of course, you can choose to use an impregnating product all over any and all Zeazoo shoes for additional defense.
What is the difference between the Yeti and Dingo boots?
- Yeti and Dingo are models with completely different constructions and designs.
- The sheepskin hair on the Dingo is longer than that of Yeti’s lining.
- Yeti's sole is glued and stitched to one big leather and wool or sheepskin detail which embraces the feet.
- Yeti’s sole is curved and footprint-shaped, while Dingo’s sole is wide and nearly oval - more than 1.5 cm of Dingo's sole length and width are not usable at all due to its design and stitching requirements.
- Yeti models are produced in waterproof leather.
- Yeti boots can be produced with double-layer soles.
- Dingo is lighter in weight compared to Yeti with sheepskin and double-layer sole.
What is the difference between wool and sheepskin lining?
- Wool lining is a fabric (wool fleece), while sheepskin lining is leather with hairs.
- Wool lining takes about 2-3 mm off of the inner space, while sheepskin lining occupies about 3-4 mm.
- Sheepskin lining gives even better insulation against lower temperatures.
- Sheepskin is more durable to the inside friction between the lining and the feet.
- Sheepskin absorbs more water (moisture) compared to Wool lining.
Can I customize my Dingo pair or get it in another color, size or sole?
We are constantly relying on your feedback and making upgrades on our models based on it. We can make general construction or parameters (size and color) upgrades or make a pair customized by your request.
However, we can not make any and all modifications on all of our models. The construction of some models requires new patterns for all parts. This can make the customization unreasonably expensive. Dingo is one of these models and currently color, size and width cannot be customized for this model. We only make Dingo in the specific colors and sizes from EU23/24 to EU46 listed in each product.
Can I customize my pair?
- You can add a symbol, create your own color combination, have a name/word/number written or request width customizations (consult with us first).
- All customization options are found here.
- Customized products will not be subject to our standard return policy.
Can I change the color of the symbol or the model?
Yes, you can choose model or symbol colors different than the ones in the photos by choosing from the colors available on the rest of the products on our website. Consult with us first, as some materials may not be suitable for the model you are looking at.
The color you receive may be slightly different from the nuance that you would expect, because the colors may look different on your computer monitor.
Customized products will not be subject to our standard return policy.
I want different custom symbols on each shoe - do I pay twice?
No, the customization cost includes a total of two symbols for both shoes - even if they are different.
Can you produce a wider or narrower shoe?
Well, that depends on the model.
Some models have correction options listed in the product description. There is an instruction there on how to order the correction.
If there is no such option, you may contact us with the precise width and circumference measurements for advice, especially if the feet have specifics that make it hard to find the perfect fit.
Customized products will not be subject to our standard return policy.
Can I design my own model?
We suggest that you choose one of our models and contact us to discuss the possible slight modifications.
Producing your own design will be significantly more expensive, as we will have to order new molds and knives, make new patterns, manufacture a prototype, etc.
Can I replace my Zeazoo model's worn-out soles?
Some of our soles are stitched and glued to the leather upper and it is risky to replace them as this may damage the leather material.Similarly, the soles that are only glued to the leather upper can be replaced, but there is the risk of tearing off the leather insole. Another approach is to grind off the old soles and glue them to the new ones so that the leather material bears no damage.
There are two options:
- Order a pair of soles - first contact us for order placement instructions. Then, you can use a good cobbler who can grind off the old soles to 2-3 mm thickness and glue the new ones to the old soles - or, s/he can try to replace them entirely.
- Return the pair to us and we will replace the soles for free. Still, there will be your delivery costs both ways and it is possible that these costs are higher than the repair at a cobbler workshop around your place of living.
How do I take foot measurements and choose the right size?
- When taking measurements, follow the instructions here.
- Stretch the tape out when taking length and width measures, overlap tightly when measuring the circumference.
- Do not round up or down - precise measurements are needed to determine the correct size.
- We need all three of the above parameters (especially length and circumference) in order to advise you better. Do not add mm/cm for spare room to the measurements you provide us with.
- Your precisely taken measures must fall within the given length range (column ‘RECOMMENDED FEET LENGTH) and be equal to or less than the upper circumference limit (column ‘MAXIMUM CIRCUMFERENCE TOES’) in the model’s measurement table when deciding on the correct size.
- Information about size conversions, etc. can be found here.
- If in doubt, contact us at info@zeazookids.com before making your order.
Why do you recommend at least one centimeter of additional space?
How do I change my delivery address or add a new one?
Do I have to fill in the "Order details" section?
The measurement fields are not required but in case you have any doubt about the correct size, this information will help us advise you on the correct size and possible changes in width.
Where can I put additional comments or notes for my order?
Is PayPal the only payment option?
However, that option depends on your country, and it may not be available in all cases. If you don't see this option, please drop us an email.
Do you have a partner in my country?
What happens with my order after you receive it?
Well, everything about our processes comes down to customer experience. The entire order life cycle is built around customer expectations and the quality of both our product and customer service. Every order is examined by multiple operators at multiple stages. Here is a simplified overview of our process.
Basically, after you place your order, it enters our system where a member of our support team manually reviews all aspects of the order. If everything is clear, they will send you an email, confirming the details of the order and when the order will be shipped. If your item is available in stock, we will send it to you on the next working day. If the shoes are not available, we will need to produce it. The confirmation email sent by the support will contain the details on when the order will enter into production and when it will be ready to be shipped.
During the review of your order, our support team checks the details of order for inconsistencies. This is where the person handling the order goes through your order history and all available communication with you to compare the details such as sizes, colors, strapping, etc. from your previous orders with the current order, handles any notes that might be attached to the order or to a separate email. This is done to make sure that you will receive exactly what you need. If we have any questions or comments, the support operator will include them in the confirmation email. The order will then enter a pending status and its development will be checked daily. If you don't reply to the questions with the final confirmation within 3 days, we will contact you again by email and will "snooze" the order for two more days. In some cases, we may contact you by phone to ensure a faster confirmation process. When the order is confirmed, its status is changed to "Confirmed".
At this point the order is sent into production, and the status of order changes to "In production". A curious fact is that there are constantly 300-500 pairs in different stages of production every week. This number increases in the busiest periods. In the production stage the different details for your shoes and the soles are first cut. Then, they go through different production stages, where a number of operations are done to sew the details together. Finally, the sole is attached, and the shoes are placed in a mold for at least 12 hours. You can see a short video on how moccasins are made on our Youtube channel.
The production QA manager examines the pair and the materials for defects at every stage of the production process. For example, during the cutting stage, the leather is carefully examined to ensure that the details that are cut out do not contain defects, since natural leather always has some defects. At the rest of the stages, we ensure that the operators actually did their job to the highest standard. When the shoes are ready, a final inspection is made and they are sent back to the support and packaging teams. The status of the order changes to "Received".
At this stage, the support operator handling the order once again examines the shoes to make sure that everything was done correctly. If yes, the shoes are packaged and prepared for shipping. If something is wrong, support will contact you with an explanation with what has gone wrong and will offer you additional options. For example, if the straps on a pair of boots are made in different colors than what you ordered, we may offer you the pair at a discounted price, or you may want us to produce a new pair. If you choose a new pair, we will prioritize it over the current orders in production and will ship it as soon as possible.
When the order is ready for shipping, we call the courier and they take the packages from our office. The status of the order to "Shipped", and you receive a notification that the order is shipped. The shipping company enters the package in their system and issue a tracking number. We get the tracking number and enter it in our own system, where we can monitor the status of the shipment using a number of semi-automated tools. For example, we have an internal company bot that notifies us about late shipments or shipments with statuses that indicate failed delivery attempts, delivery exceptions and so on. ZEAZOO Bot is a lot of help, but still, it is not human, so every notification about such shipments is manually handled by a support operator. We will contact you about any issues we detect with the delivery of your package.
Depending on the problem with the shipment we will take a number of actions. If there are no developments on the status of the package, we will open a ticket at the shipping company we have used for your delivery. The shipping company will contact their partners responsible for the actual delivery. We will then check the development of the ticket on daily basis for the next 5 days. If there is still no information about the package, we will offer you additional options. These option may include producing a new pair with a priority and shipping it again. It will then repeat the order life cycle as a priority order.
What we have described here is a simplified very high-level overview of the process. There are a number of supporting operations, all of which mean to ensure that we will not close an order unless we are sure that the order is delivered to you and that you are happy with it. Until then, we are here to help.
How long will my delivery take?
Packages are generally dispatched within 1 business day after the products are available in-stock. Some of the products we already have in stock, and these can be shipped on the next business day. Others have to be produced. You can find more information on the entire life cycle of an order in a separate FAQ.
The shipping period is from 1 to 10 days. Which means that it will take up to 2-3 weeks in total from when you place your order until you receive it.
You can read more about terms and conditions here.
Do you have an Express Shipping option?
Please note that while in-stock pairs are shipped on the next working day, most orders have to be produced which requires several business days.
Do you deliver outside the EU?
You will have to pay for any customs charges that might occur.
Do you have free delivery?
We do not offer free delivery, but we keep the shipping costs as low as possible.
You can also take advantage of our Loyalty and Referral programs and the other various promotions described here.
Where is my tracking number?
Usually, we will email you with the tracking number within one working day from the shipping date.
In some cases, it may take shipping company up to 2 business days to provide us with the tracking information.
Why is it taking so long for my parcel to arrive?
Our experience shows that the majority of the packages are delivered within the periods described here. In some rare cases, deliveries can take longer due to national holidays or other problems within the network of the carriers.
We monitor all shipments and take immediate actions to resolve all issues with the deliveries as soon as possible. If your package is taking too long, please contact us immediately. Chances are that we are already on your case. We will work with you and the shipping company to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.
How can I return my shoes?
You may return or exchange your order within 30 days from its delivery date if it is in a “like new” condition. Customized pairs are not subject to our return policy.
If you want to return or exchange your Zeazoo product please fill in the following return form.
Who pays for the return shipping?
Return costs are paid by the customer unless there was a production mistake.
You can go see this page for more information.
When will you refund my payment?
If you return the entire order, we will process your refund within 2-3 working days after we receive your parcel.
Partial refunds are processed within 15 working days after we receive your parcel.
Can you make a refund to a different Paypal account or to my bank account?
No, we can only refund your payment to the Paypal account used for the associated purchase within the last 6 months. We do not make refunds to bank accounts.
When will my loyalty points be active and how long are they valid for?
Your loyalty points become available after your order is shipped and are valid for two years after the date of your last order. You can read more about our loyalty program here.
Can I refer a friend to you and what discount do I get?
You can refer any friend to our site. This can be done from your profile page.
Once you email your friend, they will get an invitation with a registration link. They will need to fill in your email address in the 'Referral program' section of the registration form.
Your friend will receive a 5% discount voucher right after the registration. You will also receive a 5% referral voucher after your friend completes their first order.
You can read more about our Referral program here.
Why can’t I use the current promotional voucher for a discounted product?
Products on sale are excluded from some ongoing promotions.
However, you can use your loyalty and referral vouchers.
How many vouchers can I use at a time?
You can add up to 3 vouchers per order, as long as the terms and conditions of their promotions allow that.
I just missed your promotion - can you do something?
We want to be fair to all our customers and do not make changes or exceptions to the terms and conditions of our promotions.
You can still use any available vouchers from our Loyalty and Referral programs.
If you want to learn about our promotions upfront, you can sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
How can I subscribe to your newsletter?
You can subscribe to our newsletter during the registration process.
If you have created your profile and did not subscribe to our newsletter or you are not a customer and would like to receive our newsletter, you can subscribe here.
We only send еmails about major product updates and vouchers for upcoming promotions.